Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Killeen, TX: $232,655 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Killeen, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $232,655 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Killeen's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $242,349 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($401,128) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Killeen, Texas, the entry level anesthesiologist salary is set at a starting range with a baseline of $232,655 in 2026, a figure that reflects the earliest career phase for new graduates. This starting point is notably lower than the city’s median salary of $401,128, creating a salary gap that new graduates should consider as they transition into professional roles. However, there’s growth potential in the initial years, with pay scales typically rising from the entry-level starting point to around $288,813 within the first few years. Given the local economic landscape, Killeen presents an appealing market for new anesthesiologists, providing a supportive environment that encourages professional development and career advancement.
About the Killeen Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($420,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Killeen
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Killeen
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Killeen, TX typically start between $232,655 and $288,813 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $368,691 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $401,128 — 1.95% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Texas of $240,000 represents just 103.16% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($232,655/year) in Killeen. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AAMC tuition reports for LCME-accredited MD programs and COCA-accredited DO programs, plus ACGME-accredited anesthesiology residency data. Totals include 4 years of medical school tuition, fees, and living expenses; residency is salaried but adds opportunity cost. Actual debt varies widely by public vs. private institution and state residency status.
ANES Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Killeen
- 1Research the Killeen market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $232,655 to $288,813, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the anesthesiology field — employers in TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Killeen, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Killeen for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Killeen's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Anesthesiologist Compensation Range
The anesthesiologist wage spread in Killeen is $368,691 ( 158.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $232,655, experienced hygienists can earn up to $601,346.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$272,272
2025 BLS Actual
$222,636
2026 Current Est.
$232,655
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Killeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $272,272 | Actual |
| 2020 | $298,823 | Actual |
| 2021 | $258,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $164,267 | Actual |
| 2023 | $186,386 | Actual |
| 2024 | $238,849 | Actual |
| 2025 | $222,636 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $232,655 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $243,124 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Killeen, TX grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $272,272 in 2019 to $222,636 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $243,124. New graduates entering the Killeen job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Killeen metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your anesthesiology Career in Killeen
Prospective employers in Killeen for newly graduated anesthesiologists include academic medical centers and large group practices, both of which often favor recent residents. Academic centers typically offer the most comprehensive case mix, beneficial for those aiming to broaden their skills with complex cases such as cardiac and pediatric anesthesia. In contrast, large practices may present a partnership opportunity within 2-3 years, making them attractive for new physicians seeking long-term stability. Entering the job market equipped with an MD or DO, completed anesthesiology residency, and ABA board certification with MOCA can significantly enhance starting pay in Texas. It’s vital for new anesthesiologists to craft a career strategy that acknowledges the evolving compensation structures shaped by hospital system ownership versus private equity or physician-owned models. As a result, first-year salaries can advance substantially as experience builds, reflecting the market's competitive nature and the increasing demand for adept anesthesiologists.
More salary data for Killeen, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Killeen in 2026?
How fast do anesthesiologist salaries grow in Killeen?
Is anesthesiology school worth it in Killeen?
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has over 10 years of experience in anesthesiology. She specializes in perioperative care at a major metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new anesthesiology graduates. A 4.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Killeen. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Killeen is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for anesthesiologists (SOC 29-1211).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov